Healing hearts, strengthening lives

Despite advances in modern technology and the development of innovative techniques in healthcare, one in every four pregnancies in the UK ends in either miscarriage or stillbirth; every year, the UK reports more than 250 000 miscarriages (Tommy's, 2023). The often-neglected psychological and emotional effects of miscarriage and poor aftercare have been reported in research for several decades (Lee et al, 1996; Evans, 2012; Bardos, 2016). There is a need for care to focus on the whole experience of miscarriage and stillbirth, including feelings of guilt, shame and isolation, as well as social and economic implications (Bardos, 2016; Quenby et al, 2021).

The situation requires both continued efforts to improve antenatal care, and the provision of compassionate support for affected families. Support after baby loss requires sensitive psychological and emotional care for women and their partners. This sensitivity is especially important in cases where pregnancy loss is a social taboo. In these situations, the opportunities for women to express their loss and its effects on their lives can be suppressed.